BMW undoubtedly produces some of the most trustworthy vehicles in Europe, but it’s still very simple to purchase a vehicle that will cost you a fortune to maintain.
Given that BMW is one of the most well-known automakers, it is not surprising that the used car market is overrun with BMW vehicles. The crucial point, though, is whether or not BMWs are pricey. To answer your question, you must take into account a number of criteria before looking at a used BMW. To begin with, some BMWs have mediocre, at best, reliability. While there are some BMW models that are incredibly reliable, there are also many models that are money pits that you should avoid.
Although you might have to spend a fortune to purchase one, vintage BMW models from the 1980s and 1990s are fairly dependable. On the other side, as you will see in this list, a number of contemporary BMW models from the 2000s are rife with flaws, recalls, and complaints. BMW is one of the most expensive non-exotic motor brands to maintain and repair, aside from the fact that these models have their fair share of headache-inducing problems. Following are 10 BMW models you should never purchase used.
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Models of Used BMW You Should Avoid
BMW is one of the biggest and most well-known brands in the world, and the social prestige that Bavarian automobiles enjoy makes them impossible to resist owning. There are fun-to-drive BMWs available at every price point, extensive BMW cults and forums around the world, and a unique internal vocabulary that only a select few automakers can match. This is in addition to the rich and distinctive history behind each model.
BMWs do have amazing styling, performance, comfort, and utility, but they also have a lot of issues as they get older. Once they hit the used market, a number of BMW models get a reputation as potential money pits and become incredibly unreliable. The models on this list may appear stunning from the outside, but it is advisable to stay away from them because of how poorly they age.
BMW X5: 2012-2014, 2019
The X5 is the first used BMW car on our list that Consumer Reports advises against purchasing. Specifically, the 2019 and model years 2012 to 2014. This indicates that the X5 has undergone at least two distinct generations. The most unreliable trim level or engine configuration are unfortunately not specifically listed by Consumer Reports.
You have a choice between two turbocharged six and eight cylinder engines, irrespective of which of these two BMW X5 generations you’re looking at.
One of these SUVs will cost you about $1,185 in maintenance per year, according to Repair Pal.
2008-2010 BMW X3
The first-generation BMW X3 may not be as svelte and fashionable as the brand’s current SUV portfolio, but it earns high marks for not needing repairs. To prevent the “teething difficulties” that surfaced in early X3s, we advise skipping the model’s first few years (2003-2005). We advise upgrading to the 2008–2010 models since the X3 got a new engine in 2006. These more recent X3s do not have the engine timing chain issue that occasionally affects ’07 models.
When Should You Buy a BMW X3 and Why? (Explained)
BMW X3 is certain to come up in a discussion about premium SUVs. The 2003 launch of the BMW X3 came four years after that of the X5.
The X3 cars were created to compete with the Audi Q, Mercedes G, Range Rover, and other luxury mid-size vehicles. They have a somewhat more compact design than the X5.
It should be mentioned that after the first generation’s popularity, reliability problems caused X3 sales to start to fall down. The BMW X3 should not be purchased in the years 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, or 2019.
What to think about when purchasing a used BMW
The Bimmer’s traditional rear-wheel drive architecture and potent engines make it a great driving vehicle.
A new BMW is pricey, thus many customers choose used cars instead because they are widely accessible and reasonably priced.
What should you think about when purchasing a pre-owned BMW? Are the BMWs trustworthy? What are the typical issues? The depreciation should be taken into account first.
Depreciation: One problem with BMWs is how much they lose value over time. For instance, a BMW 3-Series that is three years old costs roughly $30,000, whereas a 3-Series that is six years old typically costs around $17,000.
This indicates that the value loss from a three-year-old 3-Series will cost you almost $4,000 every year.
Given this, choosing a 5–6 year old BMW A would be a better choice from a budgetary standpoint. Finding a good-condition BMW that is between 5 and 6 years old is not too difficult.
Ownership expenses: Compared to the ordinary car, BMWs have greater repair, maintenance, and insurance costs.
With more costly components,
Expect to pay much more each yearA for a BMW than a Honda or Toyota for premium gasoline, synthetic oil, high-end or run-flat tires, and greater repair labor costs.
BMWs are robustly constructed and well-engineered, but they won’t be as dependable as Japanese manufacturers. In general, reliability ratings for BMW vehicles range from “below average” to “average.”
It goes without saying that a secondhand BMW will occasionally require repairs. The use of plastic rather than more resilient materials is one frequent concern plaguing BMW and other European cars. With time, plastic parts deteriorate.
A Long service intervals used to entice buyers of new cars are also ineffective. Models with turbochargers are usually more problematic.
Maintenance and Repairs: Finding a reputable local repair facility that specializes in BMW may be a smart option if you intend to purchase a used BMW.
A Because of their complexity, these German machines may not be repairable by every garage.
Servicing at a dealership can be prohibitively expensive, so finding a nearby reliable BMW-specific business is a significant benefit. Even pre-inspecting the used car you wish to buy using their services can be something you think about doing.
An additional choice is DIY. You can save a ton of money if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and you know what you’re doing.
Which BMW year is the most dependable?
Ten BMW models you ought to never purchase used. 10 2013-2018 2007 BMW X1, 2013 BMW X3, 2011 BMW X6, and 2008 BMW M3 are all BMW models. BMW 3-Series from 2011 to 2013.
What BMW did you last trust?
1. BMW E30 M3 The very first BMW M3 produced, the E30, is regarded by many auto aficionados (including us) as the best M3 ever. It was the BMW M3 that started it all. It created history at the time, and automotive enthusiasts still talk about it now.
When is it not advisable to purchase a BMW?
The most dependable BMW is the E90 3-Series. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower.
Older BMWs dependable?
You may find the diesel N47 engine in the following BMW vehicles. It is a commonly used 1.6 or 2.0L size engine in the series 1, 3, and 5 from 2006 to 2012. There are a lot of complaints concerning the N47 timing chain assembly if you look up the comments made by these automobile owners online.
Which BMW has ever been the best?
- 8 2002 BMW 318i.
- 7 2008 BMW 750i.
- 6 2012 BMW Z4.
- 5 2016 BMW M4.
- 4 2005 BMW 325i.
- 3 2019 BMW F40.
- 2 2018 BMW i3.
- 1 2006 BMW E90 330i
What BMW model is the most desired?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
What are some typical BMW issues?
- BMW 8-Garnisch via way of Motor Authority.
- BMW 507, courtesy of Top Speed.
- BMW Blog 6 BMW 1M Coupe
- BMW E39 M5, courtesy of WallpaperUP.
- BMW-GLAS 3000 V8 Fastback, four. by way of Motoring Research
- 3 BMW E30. through Nor Classics.
- 2 BMW 2002. through Hagerty.
- one BMW Isetta. via Classic Driver
Is a pre-owned BMW worth it?
The oversupply of BMWs on the used market is one factor contributing to their low price. Similar to any other product, cars are a product, and their prices decline when there is a surplus and little demand.
BMWs still dependable after 100,000 miles?
- Automatic Headlights That Fail. Autonomous headlights are practical.
- Battery discharge.
- Wheel corrosion with alloys.
- defective fuel pumps.
- Electronic systems with faults.
- Problems with door handles.
- Issues with the heater core and cooling system.
- Oil Filter Gasket Leak
Do BMWs cost a lot to maintain?
Furthermore, having driven a BMW myself, I can vouch to the reliability of these vehicles, even after more than 100,000 miles on them. Additionally, models play a role; some are trustworthy, while others are not.
Which BMW motor is the most dependable?
What kind of mileage does a BMW have to have? Although the average BMW can travel between 100,000 and 250,000 miles, excessive mileage is actually regarded as being a little less than this. Most dealers won’t carry BMWs with mileage over 100,000, and some even think 60-80,000 is a high mileage range for these vehicles.
Who builds the BMW engines?
It is frequently discovered that older BMWs—generally those produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are more dependable than newer BMWs. Though not always the case, take note. This applies to the majority of other brands as well, not only BMW. Early automobiles from the era have simple engineering and construction.
Mercedes or BMW, which is better?
BMW’s vehicles, which are made to provide the “ultimate driving experience,” frequently outperform Audi in terms of handling. Because of their overall stronger suspension systems that promote a smooth, pleasant ride, Audi vehicles are significantly less agile than BMW vehicles. BMW typically ranks higher for dependability
What is a BMW’s typical lifespan?
Less than 1% of all new BMW i3 owners are really impacted by the breakdown rate, which is 4.4% of the 16% total recorded issues.
What is a secondhand BMW’s ideal mileage?
Is maintaining a BMW expensive? Yes, BMW servicing is more expensive than many other manufacturers, whether they are premium or not, once the warranty expires. Over the course of ten years, maintaining a BMW can cost up to $5,000 more than Mercedes-Benzes and $12,000 more than Toyotas.
Why are used BMWs so inexpensive?
The typical cutoff for a used car’s mileage to be considered acceptable is between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, however used cars nowadays are surviving longer than ever.
Audi or BMW, which makes a better car?
But how many miles do BMW cars typically last? With good care, almost any BMW has the ability to last up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles, and there will always be outliers that last even longer.
Is BMW prone to breakdowns?
To develop and supply engines for their 3, 5, 7, GT series cars and X1, X3, X5 series SUVs made in India, Force Motors established a specialized state-of-the-art plant in Chennai next to the BMW factory. Over 44,000 engines from Force Motors have been provided to BMW to far.
Which BMW engine is having issues with the timing chain?
The majority of knowledgeable owners and mechanics will advise you to avoid used BMWs, especially those manufactured within the previous 20 years or so. Simply put, they are not worth the money you will undoubtedly have to invest in them. They are extremely fragile, the parts are pricey, and the labor costs are extremely high.